Colombians will vote on Sunday in a pivotal presidential runoff that will shape the nation’s political direction. The contest features far‑right millionaire Abelardo de la Espriella, a political newcomer endorsed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, against leftist Senator Iván Cepeda, an ally of incumbent President Gustavo Petro. The election comes amid renewed violence among armed groups, raising the stakes for the country’s security and governance.
Key details:
- Polling stations are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time for more than 40 million registered voters.
- An additional 1.42 million Colombians abroad can cast ballots in 67 countries.
- After voting in Barranquilla, de la Espriella warned “we are going to defeat the regime,” referring to Petro’s ruling party, and reiterated his aggressive campaign rhetoric.
- In Bogotá, Cepeda called for “democratic behavior” and urged Colombians to “build a future that we want to be shared.”
- In the first round (57.88 % turnout), de la Espriella’s “Defenders of the Fatherland” party earned 10.3 million votes (43.78 %), narrowly edging Cepeda’s “Historic Pact” party with 9.7 million votes (40.98 %).
- Regional voting patterns—especially on the Caribbean coast, urban centers, youth participation and abstention—could prove decisive in the runoff.
Our team in Bogotá will provide live updates as the votes are counted and the outcome unfolds.
